SUNNY ISLES BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - A sewage spill led to a no contact advisory for Oleta River State Park, Haulover Beach and the Intracoastal area.
Officials said the spill occurred after a pump malfunctioned and snapped over the weekend, causing water to leak into a storm drain before making its way into the waterways.
The pump released close to 720,000 gallons of sewage water.
The advisory extends north to Northeast 163rd Street, south to Haulover Inlet, including the beach, east to the Intracoastal Waterway and west to Oleta River State Park.
The park, known largely for canoe and paddleboard rentals, was partially closed. Signs posted throughout the park alerted visitors to stay out of the water.
“We have to obey the sign. That’s why the sign is there for,” said tourist Andre Poudrier.
Monday afternoon, 7News cameras captured dozens of rental kayaks and paddleboards stored away.
Officials want to make sure the waterways are clean and safe before letting beachgoers swim again.
Poudrier was part of a small group of tourists who made the best of their day on the beach despite being kept on shore.
“We don’t like it because we came here to do some swimming, but we’re still enjoying the sun and the beach, and of course, there’s no people,” he said.
Another visitor said he’s content with the sunny weather.
“Just wonderful, the sun and the terrain, drinking beer, and that’s it. It’s a good day with that. Vacation, you know,” he said.
Another group biked up to the park from South Beach hoping to rent a kayak for some fun on the water.
“It took a while, but it would have been worth it if we could have gone for a tour on the kayak or swimming,” said a woman with the group.
Instead, their trip turned into a makeshift picnic before the long ride home.
“They just told us that there was a leak in the pipe, and there is poo everywhere, and we’re not allowed to [go in the water],” said the woman.
The waters will be tested daily and once two consecutive days have clean test results then the beaches will be reopened, as well as Oleta State Park.
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